The problems included flaws in the procedure for inmates to file complaints about sexual abuse, the practice of male employees watching inmates shower and go to the bathroom, problems with the structure of the aging prison and others.

Thomas announced steps the prison would take to address problems, such as the installation of monitoring cameras, training, hiring more correctional officers, and revising policies on how inmate complaints were handled.

On Wednesday, Thomas said a General Fund budget plan pending in the state Legislature would force the prison system to scrap some of the system’s plans for improvements. Lawmakers are still working on the budget, but a version that emerged from a House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on Wednesday falls short of the governor’s recommended funding increase for prisons.

Thomas released a statement on the investigation.

“In my opinion, custodial sexual misconduct is the single most egregious abuse of power, and we absolutely will not tolerate this type of behavior wherever it may exist,” Thomas said. “As part of our efforts to improve conditions at Tutwiler, I asked for an outside, independent review of the facility. We have received that review, we are putting positive reforms in place, and those reforms will continue.”

The statement said the department is cooperating with the investigation but would have no further comment on it.

“It is the Department’s sincere desire to resolve this matter,” Thomas said.